Community Corner

Observe Yom Kippur 2012 in Newtown

Find out where and how to observe the Jewish holiday in Newtown.

Yom Kippur is, in short, the holiest day of the year in Jewish religion and culture. It is also referred to as the “Day of Atonement,” and the tradition is to solemnly fast for repentance and atonement of sins.

Yom Kippur marks the end of the annual High Holy Day period (Sept. 16 to Sept. 26 in 2012), which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Observation began at sunset Tuesday.

Yom Kippur falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, a month on the Hebrew calendar, which is nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah.

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To observe Yom Kippur, one should eat and drink festively the day before—once early in the day and once later, before Kol Nidrei synagogue services. Then, for almost 25 hours, the day is spent in the synagogue without eating, drinking and other restrictions.

To observe the High Holy Days and holiday period before Kol Nidrei and after the Yom Kippur fast, many Jewish specialties are made. But there are a few staples that usually make their way onto the table. Try a honey cake or noodle kugel.

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Shir Ami is hosting three services for the holidy. At 8:45 a.m., families with toddlers through second grade can attend a short Holy Day service that will feature singing, stories and the sounding of the shofar.

At 10:15 a.m., there will be a service geared towards adults and families with children Bar/Bat Mitzvah age and older. Then at 1:15 p.m., there will be an afternoon Family Experience service. Parents can drop their children off for a service, which is geared towards third to seventh graders, and attend an adults service with the Rabbis and Canton.


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